By Tanimu Musa Nasidi
In line with the implementation of the new Nigerian Correctional Act 2019 signed into Law by His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari, the comptroller, Kogi State Correctional service, Mr. Ahmed Musa Ahmed, paid a courtesy visit to the Ohimege- Igu of Koton-Karfe, HRM Alhaji Abdulrazaq Gambo Isah Koto, in his palace today.
This is in order to enlighten the royal father about the provisions of the new Act and to seek support of the monarch in the full implementation of the Act.
During the visit, the Comptroller appreciated the royal father for giving him audience and spoke extensively on possible areas of collaboration in order to ensure the efficient implementation of the non-custodial service in the state.
The Comptroller elaborated on non-custodial services such as parole, probation, community service and restorative justice which when fully implemented, would help decongest Custodial Centres across the state and Nigeria at large as well as reducing financial burden on government.
He also noted that the non-custodial service would enable offenders to be rehabilitated while serving their sentence in their communities, hence promoting their reintegration into the society.
Responding, the royal father appreciated the Controller and noted that his visit was apt and timely considering the fact that he and some chiefs and traditional tittle holders in his Kingdom have been working on their own part to sensitize their subjects on the new Nigerian Correctional Act 2019 and the non-custodial service.
He said he had always been an advocate reformation.
“I had a good working relationship with your predecessor and I promise to extend same to you.
During the visit, the Ohimege-Igu promised to donate some books for the Koton-Karfe Correctional Center as soon as the Library is completed.
On punishment of erring men and officers of the Nigeria Police Force other security agencies, the royal father said dismissal of such officers has a serious consequences.
“Instead of such punishment reduction of their ranks is the better option”, the royal father advised.
In conclusion, the Ohimege-Igu assured the Comptroller of his Kingdom support for the Command..
Photos from the courtesy visit
